the day has arrived (don't burst my bubble!)

TODAY IS BE NICE TO MARGARET DAY; please mark it on your calendars, because my “new” life (which usually only Jack the Demon Cat bears witness to) is now flapping in the breeze. Out there. Appearing in a bookstore near you.

Yes, today is February 23, 2011: publication day for “And I Shall Have Some Peace There,” the memoir I started writing early in 2009, handed in that fall, and have watched gestate slowly since.

This book is not at all what I expected – it’s so much better, and I expected a lot, having read and still cherish “A Way to Garden.” I only put your new book down to go to work and sleep. I even woke up at 4 a.m. the first day I had it to read some more (and to take the dogs out). You are so honest and brave. Thank you. By sharing your fears, you make it possible for the rest of us to face ours.

I did watch your appearance on Martha and it’s easy to imagine you leaving the hectic pace of New York and the corporate world. Even I moved 11 years ago to a semi-rural area and do not enjoy when I have to drive in to the Greater Cleveland area with all the traffic lights, autos, etc.

Here in my condo (it’s a small area) I still have room for all my plants and enjoy nature all around me, including the birds and some other critters. You did very well on the TV show and I may even make the baked beans, which I will have to freeze in portions.

Thanks for writing your blog and keeping us focused on the growing of all things. I’ll try to get your book maybe from the library.

Thank you, Rae, and welcome. I guess you understand first-hand how nice it is to get away from the city for “here” where we can be closer tot he natural world. I will keep on blogging and do hope that you stop in soon again.

I started your book yesterday- my first day of retirement from 37 years of nursing-I am savoring each tidbit- sadly our tupperware is already organized as my husband retired 2 years ago!!! Threshold-is exactly how I feel -that first day of school-happy hopeful and alittle scared! I am grateful to have you along for this next trek! Thanks bunches!

Margaret! Hey Soul Sister (thank you Train). I too left the big city for a place in the woods, but alas I wasn’t brave enough to leave the job behind….and being the techno world it is, I was able to take it with me. We have lots in common, right down to the cat….I have a Tuxedo Maine Coon. Your book arrived today (thank God for UPS drivers who venture into the woods) and I’m already on page 61…can wait to read more.

Good evening Margaret,
I did find your book, as you suggested ,”A Way To Garden” on Amazon and ordered the library copy. Your book ” And I Shall Have Some Peace There” is definitely calling out to me. Congratulations on the success of both your books!! You are such a bright star in an ever changing world that sometimes wears a dark veil. Your sharing of your peaceful existence, gardening advice, and wonderful recipes bring joy and a calming presence to so many who read you. Thank you!

I live on several acres on the Erie Canal where woodland creatures romp and nibble on my gardens. I try to plant some for them and some for me! Your Jack looks like my Pippa…white tuxedo and white paws and that enchanting face. Perhaps…distant cousins?
I search for the courage to leave my nursing job but yet still help those less fortunate than myself and enjoy the incredible gifts of nature. Perhaps someday!
May you always know joy and peace. MaryLou

Welcome, Tilly, and I hear you. Thanks for being forthright. I pondered that a lot — and then decided that in the couple of places where that was what I (in the moment of being angry, frustrated, whatever) had actually said, I would record it as such. You are very kind to give all your thoughts, thank you. Criticism offered in a constructive voice, with candor but not condemnation, is always welcome. :)

@Sharon: I have a D-700 now, upgraded last year and frankly it’s too much camera for me; need to get some lessons on all the bells and whistles! But I need to have the bigger professional size files in case I ever do an illustrated book, so I had to make the leap. :)

I loved your book, all of it. I’ve just turned the last page and I didn’t want this conversation to stop…

Although I have this dream of retiring asap (we were born the same year), reading the book I could picture myself five or 10 years from now, living at last my retired life, who will I be? The big question was already showing up at unexpected moments in my thoughts, but for allowing me to see it as it is, thank you. This is just one example. Wishing you great success for the future.

PS The bad language makes sense, even though there’s so much elegance in your writing, and the atmosphere you create with your blog, that it comes as a surprise.

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Welcome! I’m Margaret Roach, a leading garden writer for 25 years—at ‘Martha Stewart Living,’ ‘Newsday,’ and in three books. I host a public-radio podcast; I also lecture, plus hold tours at my 2.3-acre Hudson Valley (NY) Zone 5B garden, and always say no to chemicals and yes to great plants.